While the outcome is retention, the goal must be student engagement. Engagement occurs through relevant, contextualized and student –focussed learning, within a curriculum that is flexible, broad in choice, accessible and able to facilitate diverse pathways.” Excerpt from preamble of Raising the School Age by Trevor Fletcher, July 2009.
Areas to address:
Improved retention rates can be achieved by:
· Raising student aspirations
· Raising teacher expectations
· Improving achievement – underachieving students are less likely to be engaged and have higher non-completion rates.
· Providing suitable and flexible curriculum structures
· Making efficient use of resources eg. Careers advisors and school-to-work coordinators.
· Providing opportunities for students to undertake paid work while completing their education.
Programs schools may have in place:
· Strategies that focus on student achievement – support structures in literacy and numeracy for underachieving students. (all levels of schooling – targeting all years and lower secondary school).
· Transition programs for year 6 to 7.
· Transition programs for year 10 to 11.
· Study skills, time management and other training to support transition to senior studies.
· Alternative pathways for senior school combining traditional HSC subjects, Vet and non-academic.
· School to work programs.
· Planning My Future program


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